Pet Waste

More than 20,000 dogs of all shapes and sizes live in Kirkland. That’s a lot of dogs and a lot of pet waste – more than three tons of waste per day!

Pet Waste Affects Health and Water Quality

Pet waste contains harmful organisms like E.coli, Giardia, and roundworms which that can be transmitted to people and pets if not cleaned up. Pets, children who play outside and adults who garden are at the greatest risk of infection.

When it rains, pet waste gets washed down the storm drain and into the nearest stream or lake. The organisms in dog waste can harm water quality. Children or pets that drink or play in the water can become sick.

What Can We Do?

Luckily, the solution to this problem is quite simple. All you have to do is: 1. scoop your dog’s waste, 2. put it in a bag, 3. put it in the trash.

Scooping on walks: Keep a supply of bags near your dog’s leash. Use a bag dispenser that can be clipped to the leash. You can also use old newspaper, sandwich or bread bags. Tie bags to the leash if you don’t have pockets.

Scooping in the backyard: Use your poop-scooping tool of choice and bag your dog’s waste.

What Can Your Neighborhood Do?

You can enhance the safety and enjoyment of neighborhood common areas and other open spaces by sponsoring a pet waste station, making pet waste cleanup easy and convenient for dog owners.

Free pet waste stations are available for homeowner associations, neighborhood associations and homeowners within our city limits. One station will be distributed per sponsor. The following supplies are provided at no cost to you (while supplies last):

weather-proof signs

pet waste bag dispenser

supply of 500 bags

The association, apartment owner/manager or homeowner is responsible for installing the station, keeping the sign maintained and the dispenser filled with bags.